Lincolnshire Police welcome plans to reform way forces are funded

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick and Chief Constable Neil Rhodes have welcomed plans to reform the way forces are funded.

The two have long campaigned for a ‘fairer dealer’ for Lincolnshire Police and today (Wednesday) issued the following statement: “We welcome today’s announcement by the Police Minister Mike Penning, giving details of plans to reform the system of allocating government funding to police forces.

“Over recent months we have worked hard and constructively with Home Office officials to provide solutions to the challenge of police finance. The overall pot of money for policing is shrinking and it is more important than ever that funding is shared fairly.

“We will be working carefully through government proposals to understand the implications for the police service in general and for Lincolnshire communities in particular.

“The new, proposed formula is population based and would appear to take cognisance of both socio-economic and environmental factors that affect policing demand.

“We recognise that, across the country, forces face different and sometimes complex policing challenges and have to manage different levels of threat, harm and risk. The new formula must cater adequately for those.

“However, particularly for smaller forces, the acid test will be whether the base cost of being in business is covered. Funding must be set at a level that sustains a decent quality of service to our communities and sensible transitional arrangement will be important.

“The timetable for consultation and subsequent implementation is tight, but we welcome the energy and drive for change and intend to fully play our part in the consultation process.”